ANGELA COOPER: A sad goodbye

By editor

Created 12/19/2013 - 6:23pm

I’m going to do things a little different this week. Mrs. Vicki Dorey has worked with Dr. Harrison for 41 years and with me for two. It is with much regret that at the end of the year, she will be retiring. I have asked Harrison to share about his time with Vicki.
“It was 1972. Dr. Herman Thomas hired Vicki in May, and I came along in August of that year, as an associate in the practice. At first, there were times when we did not exactly see eye to eye, but I gradually came around to her way of thinking. Seriously, she always had the best interests of our patients and the practice at heart. She was loyal, dependable, dedicated and performed the duties of more than one employee. In caring for the people of Poteau and their visual welfare for the past 41 years, it also included a true and lasting friendship between us.”
I met Vicki when I came in for my first eye exam with Harrison when I was 17. Little did I know at that time, that I would be back in Poteau and working with her in 2011. I really don’t know what I would have done without Vicki. Managing a practice when you have had no business experience is a daunting task, but with her help I was able to transition smoothly. She is one of the hardest workers I have ever met. She does what needs to be done without hesitation. She has been an integral part of this practice for the 41 years she has been here. She rarely calls in sick and even showed up with a scooter shortly after foot surgery! Her work ethic is beyond reproach.
Not only is Vicki a hard worker she also is very kind. She always is interested in my life and gives me good advice. Her love and kindness also can be seen with her family. She and Ricky have been married for almost 50 years. She has two daughters and five grandchildren that she is crazy about. I will miss her dearly; she always has been so much more than a coworker, she has been my friend.
Vicki, we will miss you, your expertise and your smile. We wish you much happiness in the years to come.